Let’s continue walking

Nearly 3,000 American Legion Family members in more than 30 departments participated in an awareness Walk for Veterans during the 2015-2016 membership year. Past National Commander Dale Barnett’s initiative to spread the Legion’s message and its support of veterans was about creating brand awareness, a priority in the Legion’s strategic plan for membership growth. Now I’m carrying on Barnett’s legacy by encouraging Legion Family members to continue "walking for those who marched for us."

I want the awareness walks to continue to be an opportunity to raise awareness about veterans issues and to highlight the Legion’s impact on communities nationwide, and for Legion Family members to tell their story of why they joined this great organization.

The walks can coincide with my visit to your department, but I also encourage departments to conduct them even if I’m not visiting. They can be any distance and should include Legion Family members, Legion youth program participants, Boys Scouts, high school JROTC units, community leaders and anyone else interested in helping bring Legion visibility to communities.

Find a list of upcoming walks online at www.legion.org/walkforveterans. National Headquarters staff members can assist in planning and promoting a Walk for Veterans.

For more information, contact Matt Herndon, deputy director of the Legion's Membership Division, by email at mherndon@legion.org or by phone at (317) 630-1406.